Rethinking Electricity

by Darlene Heckman

solari.com (February 10 2011)


Virtually all of your electronics are sucking up energy even if they're turned off or not being used. Some of the biggest culprits include your TV, computer, and printer. Even your electric toothbrush is drawing energy when it's plugged in and sitting idle.

The easiest (and most obvious) thing you can do is get up right now and unplug whatever you're not using.

Remove chargers from the wall when you're not charging. Your cell phone charger, iPod charger, laptop charger, et cetera keeps drawing electricity even if your phone, Ipod, laptop, et cetera isn't charging.

Use a smart strip for your computer accessories. These work really well when it's not feasible to unplug your devices.

This is just a few suggestions to help get a handle on usage. Listed below are articles that can aid in the next step to managing your electric usage and bill.

Back in the "Good Ol Days" when we did not have all the conveniences of modern day technology, our ancestors showed a will of creativity and resilience.

If we could all just apply one application to our daily lives that was a way of life for them, we would all contribute to saving energy and maybe even take a step to self reliance.

So, try a cook out one night a week, use candles to light the decks and walk ways. Have a camp fire, invite family and friends over for a evening of visiting. Put up clothes lines and air dry your clothes.

My list could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. We must take the first step to becoming less dependent on man-made power and look to ways we can be more self-sufficient.

A few interesting appliances that are non electric offered in the Lehman's catalog:

Water-Powered Multifunction Clock

Every year, billions of conventional dry cell batteries are discarded. Recycling their waste is not only expensive but often inadequate, resulting in hazardous pollution. This combination clock, timer, thermometer and alarm runs on one of the most common, harmless things around - water. It's simply the most uniquely powered product on the market today!

Solar Powered Attic Fan

Reduce heating and cooling costs. A new product with applications in any climate. All you need is sunshine.

Chamber Olive Oil Lamp

Olive oil is 99% pure renewable fuel, so it produces no smoke or odor and can't aggravate allergies. Safe since it can't catch on fire if tipped over. These simple lamps will burn any green, renewable fuel like olive oil, vegetable oil, or liquid fat or grease. Olive oil lamps, or fat lamps, have been around since the days of the Vikings, and with good reason: they are safe, bright and very simple to use.

Domestic Gas Refrigerators

The Dometic is perfect for campgrounds, lodges, cabins, and remote houses or cottages. Back-up when the power is out for long periods of time.

The following articles can help you gain control over your electrical usage:

"Seven Ways To Reduce Home Electricity Consumption", SayEducate (June 05 2008)
http://www.sayeducate.com/2008/06/05/7-ways-to-reduce-home-electricity-consumption/

"What's Wasting Energy in Your Home Right Now", Yahoo Green (October 09 2008)
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/the_conscious_consumer/4/what-s-wasting-energy-in-your-home-right-now.html

"How to Reduce Vampire Power", Yahoo Green (October 09 2008)
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/huddlergreenhome/17/how-to-reduce-vampire-power.html

Lehman's Non-Electric Catalog
http://www.lehmans.com/store/util/free_catalog_signup

"Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Assessments", Energy Savers
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11170

http://solari.com/blog/?p=10331

Bill Totten http://www.ashisuto.co.jp/english/